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LOVES PARK MOTORSPORTS BACKS BIG 8 ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

By: Eric Huenefeld

The stakes have been raised in the race for Big 8 Late Model Series Rookie of the Year in 2016, thanks to Loves Park Motorsports.

This season, with a deep rookie class expected along the Big 8 tour, Loves Park Motorsports has announced its intentions to reward the top rookie during the Series’ twelfth season of operations.

The top finishing Rookie in 2016 Big 8 Late Model Series points will win their choice of either $500 in cash or $500 in apparel from brand names like Arctic Cat, Can-Am, OGIO, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Smith Optics.

Loves Park Motorsports has been severing powersports enthusiasts since 1994. After recently completing a much-anticipated move to their new location in Roscoe Illinois, Loves Park Motorsports continues to proudly carry Arctic Cat, Yamaha, Polaris, Triton Trailers, Ski-Doo, Evinrude, Sea-Doo, Manitou & much more.

For more information on Loves Park Motorsports, please visit www.lovesparkmotorsports.com.

For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

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KLOTZ BECOMES THE OFFICIAL FUEL OF THE BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES

Today officials with the Big 8 Late Model Series and Klotz Synthetics are proud to announce a multi-year partnership between the two entities, making Klotz the “Official Fuel of the Big 8 Late Model Series.”

“For almost 60 years, Klotz has taken tremendous pride in our involvement with grassroots racing by supporting and servicing racers at the local level,” said John C. Klotz Jr., Founder and CEO, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants. “With that commitment in mind, Klotz is proud to forge a new partnership as the Official Fuel of the Big 8 Late Model Series. We’re very enthusiastic to provide Klotz 110 Octane fuel trackside at every Big 8 race and to be able to service the racers throughout the Big 8 community. “

Klotz continued, “Our Fort Wayne (Ind.) manufacturing facility is close in proximity to practically every race on the schedule so we’re invested in the health of the sport. This relationship also provides Klotz the opportunity to showcase our high performance line of synthetic lubricants, additives and aerosols to the competitors and race fans throughout the Midwest. This is an exciting new partnership for Klotz and we’re eager to begin working closely with the teams, engine builders and officials from the Big 8.”

The Big 8 Late Model Series was conceived back in 2004 as a gathering place for the best weekly short track racers in the Midwest. The schedule each year includes stops at some of America’s most well-known and demanding short tracks. The same stars that make each Big 8 Series race unforgettable are the same drivers who compete at short tracks every weekend across the Midwest. This makes Big 8 Series regulars the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country!”

Rockton Illinois’ Jeremy Miller and Edgerton Wisconsin’s Casey Johnson are the only multi-time titlists in series history, claiming four and two series titles respectively. Former Big 8 Rookie of the Year winners include Ty Majeski, Ross Kenseth, Tanner Whitten and Cole Anderson. Rockford Illinois’ Jon Reynolds Jr is the all-time series wins leader with eleven victories.

The 2016 Big 8 Late Model Series season begins at Rockford (IL) Speedway on Sunday April 17th, with the running of the Midwest’s traditional first BIG RACE, the 39th Annual Spring Classic. Joining the Big 8 Late Models that day will be the Mid-American Stock Cars and Super Trucks. Racing begins at 1 PM.

For more information on Klotz Synthetics, please visit klotzlube.com.

For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series and to view the complete 2016 schedule, please visit big8series.com.

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SPRING CLASSIC ENTRY FORM NOW AVAILABLE!

By: Eric Huenefeld

The official Entry Blank for Rockford Speedway’s 39th annual Spring Classic featuring the Big 8 Late Model Series at Rockford Speedway is now available online at www.big8series.com. Click Here!

Set for Sunday afternoon April 17, Rockford Speedway’s Spring Classic kicks off the twelfth season of racing for the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country.’ The popular Weekly Warrior Wages program which rewards each driver up to $250 per event based on their weekly racing and Big 8 Series success also continues again this year.

Racing action begins Sunday April 17 at 1PM, officially bringing the Midwest racing season to life. Joining the Big 8 Late Models at this season opening showcase are the Mid-American Stock Car Series and the American Ethanol Super Trucks.

There are multiple chances for Big 8 teams to get on track at Rockford Speedway for Practice in advance of Spring Classic. Saturday April 9 features an Open Practice session from 11 AM until 2:30 PM, while Spring Classic participants also have a chance to practice Saturday April 16 from Noon to 4 PM.

For additional information regarding the 39th Spring Classic and Rockford Speedway, please visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or call 815-633-1500.

For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit www.big8series.com.

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EIGHT DATES IN FOUR STATES HIGHLIGHT BIG 8 SLATE!

By: Eric Huenefeld

Big 8 Late Model Series officials have released their 2016 Schedule of Events, which includes eight individual racing events at seven facilities in four different states.

Again this season, the Series takes part in some of the most well-known race dates held annually at some of the most storied short tracks in America.

The twelfth season of Big 8 Late Model Series competition begins on Sunday afternoon April 17 at Rockford (IL) Speedway as part of the 39th annual Spring Classic. For the second consecutive season and third time ever, the feature race of Spring Classic will be 88 laps in distance.

For the second straight season, the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” head to Iowa, for “Clash at the Downs II’ at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. Three weeks later, the Series makes its traditional summertime stop at Madison (WI) International Speedway for the “Salute to America,” which includes a full racing program and fabulous Fireworks display!

One month after the Madison event, the Big 8 Late Model Series contests two races in five days as part of a couple major mid-summer events. Friday July 29, the Series makes its fifth all-time appearance at State Park Speedway in Wausau WI, headlining the first night of the Larry Detjens Memorial Weekend. Then, Tuesday night August 2, the Big 8 Late Model Series shares the spotlight with the ARCA Midwest Tour as part of the “Dixieland 250,” with a 38 lap “Dixieland Delight” scheduled for the Big 8 Late Models.

The 2016 Big 8 Series champion will once again be determined by “three races in three weeks,” starting Saturday September 24 at Elko (MN) Speedway as part of the 8th Annual “Thunderstruck.” Then, Saturday night October 1, it’s the most grueling race of the season, the 108 lap National Short Track Championship as part of the 51st anniversary of “One Great Racing Weekend” at Rockford Speedway. Finally, on Saturday October 8, the season comes to a close at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem WI as part of the 47th Oktoberfest Race Weekend.

For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit big8series.com.

For up-to-the-minute updates, please “Like” Big 8 Series on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter @big8series.

2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES EVENT SCHEDULE

Sunday April 17 – “39th Annual Spring Classic” 88 Laps
Rockford Speedway (Loves Park, IL)

Friday June 3 – ”Clash at the Downs II” 48 Laps
Hawkeye Downs (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Friday June 24 – “Salute to America” 48 Laps
Madison Int’l Speedway (Oregon, WI)

Friday July 29 – “Larry Detjens Memorial” 58 Laps
State Park Speedway (Wausau, WI)

Tuesday August 2 – “Dixieland Delight” 38 Laps
Wisconsin Int’l Raceway (Kaukauna, WI)

Saturday September 24 – “Thunderstruck” 58 Laps
Elko Speedway (Elko New Market, MN)

Saturday October 1 – “51st Nat’l Short Track Championships” 108 Laps
Rockford Speedway (Loves Park, IL)

Saturday October 8 – “Oktoberfest Race Weekend” 68 Laps
La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway (West Salem, WI)

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BILDERBACK BAGS BIG 8 CHAMPIONSHIP, JOHNSON AWARDED LACROSSE VICTORY

By: Eric Huenefeld
With the heartbreak of finishing one point shy of the 2008 Big 8 Late Model Series championship still fresh in his mind, Michael Bilderback was on a mission Saturday at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway.

Armed with confidence after a dominant performance the week prior at Rockford Speedway, along with a 55 point cushion on his nearest pursuer, Bilderback left no doubt at the 46th Oktoberfest Race Weekend, qualifying 3rd fastest out of a season-high 45 qualifiers and later racing from a tenth starting spot to a second place finish in the 68 lap Big 8 Series Championship Feature.

Bilderback, along with two-time Series champion Casey Johnson, worked through the field together from their fifth-row starting spots, finding the top five very early in the event. The 28-car starting field clicked off 53 consecutive laps of green flag racing before the first of three caution flags flew in the race’s final 15 laps. Throughout the final 15 circuits, Johnson and Bilderback, along with fast qualifier Ty Majeski, challenged race-long leader J Herbst. Despite their best attempts, neither driver could break free to challenge Herbst, who seemed to collect his first Big 8 Series win. However, Herbst’s win was disallowed after his race car failed Post Race Inspection.

The post-race shake up awarded the win to Johnson, giving the three-time Jefferson Speedway champion his ninth career Big 8 Series win and his first conquest on the tour in just three starts this season. Bilderback ended up moving into the second position, while Majeski, who competed in his first Big 8 event since 2011, was credited with third. Tim Sargent and Rich Schumann Jr finished the 68 laps in fourth and fifth respectively.

Bilderback’s final margin of victory in the 2015 Big 8 point standings was 105 points over his nearest competitor Austin Nason. The final day of the season was the toughest for Nason, who experienced issues with his vehicle during final practice, which forced him to jump into Jeremy Miller’s machine for the rest of the night. With no laps prior to qualifying aboard Miller’s mount, Nason qualified in the top ten, but found fewer successes after that and ended the 68 lap race in 16th place, his worst finish of the 2015 season.

In his championship run, Bilderback finished no worse than sixth in any Big 8 race during the 2015 season and through eight races sported an amazing average finish of third place. Along with six wins at his home track Rockford Speedway, Bilderback was a two-time Big 8 winner in 2015, with a memorable sideways slide to win at Wausau ahead of Herbst and the aforementioned dominant win at Rockford during the 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships.

Nason was the only other driver besides Bilderback to win multiple times on the 2015 tour, collecting his wins at Madison in late June and at Elko in September. Despite the rough final day of the season, Nason still ended up second in the final points rundown, 32 markers ahead of Bobby Wilberg, who won the first race of the season in April at Rockford. Wilberg passed more cars than anyone in the 68 lap feature at LaCrosse, starting the race from 25th position and finishing in ninth.

Iowa State University freshman and Minnesota native Michael Ostdiek made an impressive late-season push to fourth in the Big 8 Late Model Series standings. Ostdiek, a three-time feature winner at Elko Speedway this summer, collected his first three Big 8 Series top-fives this season at Madison, Kaukauna and Elko. Fellow Minnesotan Cole Anderson not only finished the season fifth in Big 8 Series standings, but also won the 2015 Big 8 Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Award. Anderson edged out Wayne Freimund for fifth place in the Big 8 standings by just a single point.

The Big 8 Late Model Series now looks forward to it’s twelfth season in 2016, which again opens at Rockford Speedway in April as part of the 39th Annual Spring Classic. The preliminary 2016 Big 8 Late Model Series schedule will be available around January 1st. For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet, please visit big8series.com or please call 815-633-1500.

Big 8 Late Model Series
Final 2015 Point Standings (Top 10)

1. 2 Michael Bilderback 851 (2 wins)
2. 14 Austin Nason 746 (2 wins)
3. 28 Bobby Wilberg 714 (1 win)
4. 18 Michael Ostdiek 651
5. 97 Cole Anderson 564 ®
6. 95 Wayne Freimund 563
7. X Jon Reynolds Jr 557 (1 win)
8. 5 Dave Edwards 464
9. 5 Casey Johnson 420 (1 win)
10. 45 Michael Bachaus 397

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2015 Oktoberfest Race Results

A-Main 01 — 1. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Ty Majeski, Seymour, Wis; 4. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 5. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 6. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 7. Michael Beamish, Egan, Minn.; 8. Zack Riddle, Cottage Grove, Wis; 9. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 10. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 11. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 12. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 13. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 14. Kyle Shear, Roscoe; 15. Jon Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 16. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 17. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 18. Mike Meyerhofer, Jr, Hilbert, Wis; 19. Ty Reedy, Holmen, Wis; 20. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 21. Mike Ehde, Prairie du Chien, Wis; 22. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 23. Harley Jankowski, Sparta, Wis; 24. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 25. Shane Morrissey, Cuba City, Wis; 26. Jerimy Wagner, Onalaska, Wis; 27. Nick Nolden, Sun Prairie, Wis; 28. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis.

Last Chance “A” 01 — 1. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 2. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 3. Kyle Shear, Roscoe; 4. Shayne Poehnelt, Spring Green, Wis; 5. Jerry Mueller, Richfiled, Wis; 6. Jerimy Wagner, Onalaska, Wis; 7. Collin Olson, Maplewood, Minn.; 8. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 9. Ricky Heinan, Kewaskum, Wis; 10. Jake Sernett, Prior Lake, Minn.; 11. Gary Krueger, Edgerton, Wis; 12. Ken Jacoby, Marshall, Wis; 13. Michael

Last Chance “A” 02 — 1. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 2. Harley Jankowski, Sparta, Wis; 3. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 4. Todd Oliver, Bangor, Wis; 5. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 6. Adam Bendzick (r), Elko, Minn.; 7. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 8. Kyle Genett, Auburndale, Wis; 9. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 10. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 11. Larry DeVito, Camp Douglas, Wis; 12. Dan Jung, Iron Ridge, Wis; 13. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis.

Heat 01 — 1. Mike Ehde, Prairie du Chien, Wis; 2. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 3. Kyle Shear, Roscoe; 4. Shayne Poehnelt, Spring Green, Wis; 5. Jerimy Wagner, Onalaska, Wis; 6. Ken Jacoby, Marshall, Wis; 7. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis.

Heat 02 — 1. Mike Meyerhofer, Jr, Hilbert, Wis; 2. Harley Jankowski, Sparta, Wis; 3. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 4. Todd Oliver, Bangor, Wis; 5. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 6. Adam Bendzick (r), Elko, Minn.; 7. Larry DeVito, Camp Douglas, Wis; 8. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis.

Heat 03 — 1. Nick Nolden, Sun Prairie, Wis; 2. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 3. Christopher Marek, Lakeville, Minn.; 4. Jerry Mueller, Richfiled, Wis; 5. Collin Olson, Maplewood, Minn.; 6. Gary Krueger, Edgerton, Wis; 7. Jake Sernett, Prior Lake, Minn.; 8. Ricky Heinan, Kewaskum, Wis.

Heat 04 — 1. Jon Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 2. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 3. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 4. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 5. Dan Jung, Iron Ridge, Wis; 6. Kyle Genett, Auburndale, Wis; 7. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa.

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 2. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 3. Shane Morrissey, Cuba City, Wis; 4. Ty Majeski, Seymour, Wis; 5. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 6. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 7. Michael Beamish, Egan, Minn..

Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 2. Zack Riddle, Cottage Grove, Wis; 3. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 4. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 5. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 6. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 7. Ty Reedy, Holmen, Wis.

Time Trial — 1. Ty Majeski, Seymour, Wis; 2. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 3. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 4. Ty Reedy, Holmen, Wis; 5. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 6. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 7. Michael Beamish, Egan, Minn.; 8. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 9. Shane Morrissey, Cuba City, Wis; 10. Zack Riddle, Cottage Grove, Wis; 11. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 12. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 13. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 14. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 15. Kyle Shear, Roscoe; 16. Mike Meyerhofer, Jr, Hilbert, Wis; 17. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 18. Jon Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 19. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 20. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 21. Jerry Mueller, Richfiled, Wis; 22. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 23. Mike Ehde, Prairie du Chien, Wis; 24. Harley Jankowski, Sparta, Wis; 25. Nick Nolden, Sun Prairie, Wis; 26. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 27. Jerimy Wagner, Onalaska, Wis; 28. Adam Bendzick (r), Elko, Minn.; 29. Collin Olson, Maplewood, Minn.; 30. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 31. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 32. Todd Oliver, Bangor, Wis; 33. Christopher Marek, Lakeville, Minn.; 34. Dan Jung, Iron Ridge, Wis; 35. Shayne Poehnelt, Spring Green, Wis; 36. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 37. Jake Sernett, Prior Lake, Minn.; 38. Kyle Genett, Auburndale, Wis; 39. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 40. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 41. Gary Krueger, Edgerton, Wis; 42. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 43. Ken Jacoby, Marshall, Wis; 44. Larry DeVito, Camp Douglas, Wis; 45. Ricky Heinan, Kewaskum, Wis.

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2015 NSTC Big 8 Series Results

Big 8 Late Model Series
A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 3. Alex Papini, Machesney
Park; 4. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 5. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 6. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 7. Austin Nason,
Roscoe; 8. Mitchell Garfield, Gilberts; 9. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 10. Josh Nelms, Lockport; 11. Michael
Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 12. Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis; 13. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 14. Michael
Clapper, Dane, Wis; 15. Patrick Featherston II (r), Byron; 16. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 17. Jon Reynolds, Jr.,
Rockford; 18. Jacob Gille, Winnebago; 19. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 20. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 21.
Mike Taylor, Stoughton, Wis; 22. Tom Gille, Winnebago; 23. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 24. Tim Sargent, South
Last Chance “A” 01 — 1. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 2. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 3. Michael Bachaus,
Milton, Wis; 4. John Nutley, Midlothian; 5. Dana Czach, West Chicago; 6. Tom Jasinski, Pewaukee, Wis; 7. Mike
Taylor, Stoughton, Wis; 8. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 9. Patrick Featherston II (r), Byron; 10. Chris McKay,
Streamwood; 11. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

Heat 01 — 1. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 2. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 3. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 4. Mike
Taylor, Stoughton, Wis; 5. Chris McKay, Streamwood; 6. Tom Jasinski, Pewaukee, Wis; 7. Adam Peschek,
Oconomowoc, Wis; 8. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis.

Heat 02 — 1. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 2. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 3. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 4.
Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 5. Dana Czach, West Chicago; 6. John Nutley, Midlothian; 7. Patrick Featherston II
(r), Byron; 8. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 2. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 3. Michael Bilderback,
South Beloit; 4. Mitchell Garfield, Gilberts; 5. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 6. Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis; 7.
Tom Gille, Winnebago.

Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Josh Nelms, Lockport; 2. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 3. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 4.
Austin Nason, Roscoe; 5. Jacob Gille, Winnebago; 6. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 7. Alex Papini,

Time Trial — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Jacob Gille, Winnebago; 3. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis;
4. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 5. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 6. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 7. Mitchell Garfield, Gilberts;
8. Alex Papini, Machesney Park; 9. Tom Gille, Winnebago; 10. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 11. Jon Reynolds,
Jr., Rockford; 12. Josh Nelms, Lockport; 13. Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis; 14. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield,
Minn.; 15. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 16. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 17. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis;
18. Dana Czach, West Chicago; 19. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 20. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 21. Dave Edwards,
Salem, Wis; 22. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 23. Chris McKay, Streamwood; 24. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis;
25. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 26. Patrick Featherston II (r), Byron; 27. Mike Taylor, Stoughton, Wis; 28. John
Nutley, Midlothian; 29. Tom Jasinski, Pewaukee, Wis; 30. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 31. Tony Brutti, Dyer,

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‘FEST IS BEST’ FOR DETERMINING A BIG 8 CHAMPION!

What: 46th Oktoberfest Race Weekend

Where: LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway (N4985 Co Rd M, West Salem, WI 54669)

When: Saturday night October 10

Schedule and Information:
8 AM- Pit Gates/Grandstands Open
9:25 AM- Practice Begins
2:05 PM- Qualifying
5 PM- Racing begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet
PLUS: ARCA Midwest Tour Super Late Models, Mid American Stock Car Series and Midwest Dash Cars

Admission Prices:
Adults: $25
Ages 12-17 (with Student ID): $12
Ages 6-11: $5
Kids 5 and under FREE

Current Big 8 Late Model Series Point Standings
(Top 15 thru seven races)

1. 2 Michael Bilderback (2) 736
2. 14 Austin Nason (2) 681
2. 28 Bobby Wilberg (1) 638
4. 18 Michael Ostdiek 582
5. X Jon Reynolds Jr (1) 557
6. 95 Wayne Freimund 504
7. 97 Cole Anderson ® 494
8. 5 Dave Edwards 422
9. 82 J Herbst 362
10. 45 Michael Bachaus 353
11. 15 Michael Clapper 349
12. 66 Adam Peschek 346
13. 36 Lyle Nowak 315
14. 5 Casey Johnson 296
17 Eric Connell 296

PREVIEWING THE 46th OKTOBERFEST RACE WEEKEND: What started in northern Illinois in April will be decided in western Wisconsin this Saturday night, as a new Big 8 Late Model Series champion will be crowned at the Oktoberfest Race Weekend! Coming into the 2015 Championship Race for the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country,’ Michael Bilderback sits poised to pocket his first Big 8 Series crown. The 24 year old from South Beloit Illinois has put together a solid year along the Big 8 tour, finishing no worse than sixth in any series event while also collecting wins at Wausau in July and Rockford last weekend. A near perfect performance last weekend at his home track put Bilderback 55 points ahead of runner-up Austin Nason, the only other multi-time winner on the Big 8 tour in 2015 (Madison & Elko). After leading the standings for the first half of the season, Bobby Wilberg has slipped to third, with last week’s 19th place finish at Rockford a back-breaker in Wilberg’s push for the championship. Making a late push for the top three in points is Iowa State University freshman Michael Ostdiek, who has climbed to fourth in Big 8 Series points and has three top-fives in his last five races. Along with the point battles, drivers to watch at La Crosse Saturday night include two-time La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway track champion J Herbst, who is fresh off his third Big 8 Series top five in four starts this year, along with four-time Series champion Jeremy Miller and two-time Series champion Casey Johnson.

REMAINING BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES EVENT:

Sat Oct 10- 46th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit https://big8series.com

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‘BILDERBACK BESTS BIG 8 BATTLE AT NSTC!

By: Eric Huenefeld

Coming into Rockford Speedway’s 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships, the three drivers at the top of the Big 8 Late Model Series point standings were separated by just 32 points. Leaving Rockford Speedway on Saturday night, the story changed and one driver took ownership of the 2015 championship chase.

South Beloit’s Michael Bilderback had a dominant Saturday night at his home track, collecting fast time honors, then charging through the talent laden field on his way to collecting his second win of the Big 8 Late Model Series season and his first win at the National Short Track Championships.

Bilderback quickly worked his way to the front of the field, trailing only Casey Johnson for the lead by lap 25. Over the course of the next 30 laps, Johnson and Bilderback set a blistering pace at the head of the class, with the three-time Jefferson Speedway champion Johnson holding off Bilderback at nearly every corner. Finally, as the race neared halfway, Bilderback was able to work his machine to the inside of Johnson and made the move for the top spot. Once Bilderback positioned his vehicle at the front of the field, he was rarely challenged again.

Following Bilderback’s winning pass, the race saw it’s longest green flag run at nearly 50 laps. In the process, drivers like J Herbst and Alex Papini made their trek towards the top five. Herbst, who started 15th after racing his way into the 108 lap feature via a qualifying race, climbed as high as third, while Papini, who was involved in an early race incident in the third corner, raced from the back of the field to end up in third.

When the checkered flag flew, it was Bilderback who held off all comers in a five-lap sprint to the finish following a late-race yellow flag. Johnson held on to second place while Papini scratched ahead of Herbst for the third position on the last lap. Four-time Big 8 Series champion Jeremy Miller made his first series start of 2015 and came home in fifth.

Bilderback put plenty of daylight between himself and his nearest competition in the Big 8 Late Model Series point standings with just one more race to go in the 2015 season. Austin Nason, who came into the race second in points, just 20 off of Bilderback back’s lead, fell back late in the 108 lap race and settled for seventh in the final order, while Bobby Wilberg, who entered the race in third place in the standings, fell out of the race and was scored 19th in the final rundown.

In other action Saturday night…

Oak Creek Wisconsin’s Ryan Gutkneckt won a caution-free 50 lap Mid American Stock Car Series feature. The win was Gutkneckt’s first win in the Series and the first for his family at Rockford Speedway after over 20 years of trying. Former Rockford winners and former Mid-Am champions Lyle Nowak and Mark Pluer came home second and third, respectively.

Patrick Bruns topped off a dominant season in the Illini Racing Series Midgets, winning the 30 lap championship feature over his teammate Max Pozsgai. Bruns was officially crowned the IRS champion for the fourth time in his career while also winning his third NSTC crown.

Mendota’s Matt Ramer held off a furious charge from Pat ‘Hacksaw’ Heaney to win the 20 lap Vintage Racers of Illinois feature race.

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ONE GREAT POINT BATTLE BECOMES PART OF ‘ONE GREAT RACING WEEKEND!’

What: 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships

Where: Rockford Speedway (1601 West Lane Road Loves Park, IL 61111)

When: Saturday night October 3

Schedule and Information:
8:30 AM- Pit Gates Open
10:30 AM- Rotating Practice
2:15 PM- Qualifying
5:05 PM- Racing begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet
PLUS: Super Late Models, Mid American Stock Car Series, Illini Racing Series, Vintage Racers of Illinois

Admission Prices:
Reserved Seating (Sections D, E & F)- $20 Adults (Ages 12 & over), $10 (ages 11 and under)
General Admission- $18 (Ages 12 and up), $8 (Ages 6-11), $3 (ages 5 and under)

Current Big 8 Late Model Series Point Standings (Top 14 thru six races)
1. 2 Michael Bilderback (1) 608
2. 14 Austin Nason (2) 588
3. 28 Bobby Wilberg (1) 576
4. 18 Michael Ostdiek 506
5. X Jon Reynolds Jr (1) 497
6. 97 Cole Anderson ® 431
7. 95 Wayne Freimund 418
8. 5 Dave Edwards 375
9. 36 Lyle Nowak 315
10. 62 Adam Peschek 298
11. 17 Eric Connell 294
12. 45 Michael Bachaus 284
13. 15 Michael Clapper 283
14. 82 J Herbst 268

PREVIEWING THE 50th ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL SHORT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS: In what has become one of the most anticipated races of every Big 8 season, the 108 lap test of man and machine returns to Rockford Speedway this Saturday night as part of ‘One Great Racing Weekend’ and the 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships. This year’s grand climax to ‘Short Track Saturday Night’ features 32 drivers on the Pre-Entry List and a very close battle for the 2015 Big 8 championship. Last Saturday night at Elko (MN) Speedway, Austin Nason became the first Big 8 driver to win multiple times on the 2015 schedule while holding off Elko champion Chris Marek to seal the deal. With the solid night at Elko, Nason climbed to second in points and to within 20 markers of point leader Michael Bilderback. Despite early adversity, Bilderback raced back to sixth place in the final running order, pushing past Bobby Wilberg at the checkered flag. A sub-par evening in Minnesota dropped Wilberg, the winner at Rockford in April, back to third in series points. With just 32 total points separating the top three, Rockford sets up to be wild, unpredictable and very important in the title chase. Joining the Big 8 point leaders are Rockford aces Jon Reynolds Jr, Jake Gille, Alex Papini, Tom Gille and Josh Nelms along with Four-time Big 8 Series champion Jeremy Miller and defending race winner Casey Johnson, who collected the victory September in a three-wide fashion following a green-white-checkered finish.

REMAINING BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES EVENTS:
Sat Oct 3- 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park IL)
Sat Oct 10- 46th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com

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